You might be thinking what’s the difference? How do they work with my ipod? Which is the best? Well the answer is quite simple.

The FM Modulator and FM Transmitter both reproduce an input signal that can be turned into a playable audio signal that your stereo can decode. However this is done in differing ways.

The FM Transmitter decodes the data and transmits through the air in different radio frequencies. This is then picked up by your stereo (aerial) and played in the same way as you would listen to the radio. However this method can cause several major problems, as the transmission can be heard by anybody listening to that specific frequency.  Which in its self is a major problem unless you are broadcasting personal information?

The problem occurs as this can be considered illegal broadcasting via pirate radio. Basically taking over the airwaves with an unauthorised signal, & potentially overhauling a legitimate broadcast on their frequency range. Which in turn leads us to the other problem with this system, If the frequency that you are trying to replace is VERY strong it will replace your transmission. Sometimes playing both signals, other times playing interference over the audio.

The FM Modulator works in a very similar way to the FM Transmitter, however it has one difference. The FM Modulator does not transmit any signal. The Modulator is hardwired to the back of the stereo via the Aerial socket, so rather than broadcasting the signal it’s sent down the wire. The interference is minimal and the sound quality is much greater (pretty much CD Quality). The only disadvantage of this system is that the unit has to be installed to the stereo.

Dension FM Modulator

MP3 FM Modulator

The installation of the Gateway 100 & 300 units are usually trouble free, in fact the most troublesome part of the installation is removing the head-unit. We have listed a few features regarding the installation that will help you when deciding whether or not you should try it yourself. (Please remember that The Gateway 100 & 300 products are car and radio specific and have different pin setting for different units)

Preparation,

Disconnect the head-unit (stereo) from the battery. If you have a security code applied ensure that you have it recorded.

Remove the Head-Unit

Often the radio will have a specific radio Key that will need to be used when removing the Stereo, (available at http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iPod_Car_Accessories/Radio_Keys/). Simply insert the keys into the slots and pull out the head-unit.

Remove the Original Harness

Remove the harness that is attached to the stereo, these harness look different in different car models and manufactures.

Replace the Dension Harness

Attach the Dension Harness to the stereo and then re attach the old harness to Dension harness. The Denson attachment should then be connected to the Dension PCB (black box).

Attach & route the application

When the harness have been connected together, connect the Dension application (Dock Cable or Active cradle) to the PCB and rout into the position that you would like it to be kept, (for dock cables this is usally in the glove box, active cradles are usually attached to the Dashboard)

Insert the head-unit  

Insert the head-unit back into the original position and re connect to the battery.

Remember,

The Key code for the radio, updated iPod software & Dension software also resolve 99% of installation problems

For more detailed instruction refer to the Manual when purchased, or visit http://install.dension.com

Dice have announced that the new units for 2008 will have greater compatibility with vehicles & Models. The new units have the same hardware & connections as before. Its the Firmware with-in the PBC that features the new Dice upgrade. On selected vehicle models this allows for greater ease of use and also provides text compatibility (although Text compatibility is not available on all units).

Honda are one of the first car manufacturers capable of using the upgraded firmware, with the majority of the new 06-onward models being text compatible, but Dice are currently working very hard to ensure that all major manufactures have text compatibility in the near future.

View all Honda iPod Car Kits visit www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk or follow the link Honda Dice iPod car Kits

The Dension BTA1500 Bluetooth adapter is now available at www.iPodcarkitdirect.co.uk, the specially designed unit will maximise the Gateway 500 fibre optics system in allowing the user to make hands free phone calls, stream music from mobile phone (and other AD2P devices) and browse your phone book on all compatible screens. The New BTA1500 has been in development since the BTA1000 was discontinued several months ago, Dension realising the importance of this technology to its customers have put their full concentration on completing this project in minimum time and maximum testing ensuring the new Bluetooth unit lives up to expectations.

The New BTA1500 Bluetooth adapter is only compatible with the Gateway 500 Fibre Optic Systems. The BTA2000 Densions’ next product is expected to be ready nearer October 2008 and is expected to be compatible with all Dension Gateway systems. No Doubt more information regarding the BTA2000 will be available here soon.

The long awaited production of the New Dension Active Cradle inserts / Sleeves for the Apple iPhone, Apple iPod Nano 3Gen, Apple iPod iTouch & Apple iPod Classic has finally been completed. The Sleeves attach into the Dension Active Cradle allowing a snug fit for the New iPods. This allows users to incorporate the Active Cradle as part of the iPod Car Kit using the new iPods for the first time with out the need for a passive cradle or holder.

All New Active Cradle Kits are set to include the new sleeves in the distant future, however currently the Active Cradle kit will still be produced with the older iPod Sleeves as the majority of Dension users still have the older iPods.

The Package includes a sleeve for the iPod Touch, iPhone & iPod Nano 3Gen with the iPod Classic also fitting the insert. These are currently on special offer to all iPodcarkitdirect customers for £14.97, this price is set to go up in the near future.

To View the Product click here

Dice have released the next version of the dice iPod car kit, The silverline iPod car kit is much the same as the previous kit available from dice, but has updated firmware and additional features that make the user interface more usable. The main difference between the two kits is the additional browsing options available. The silverline iPod car Kit allows the user to search through tracks without playing them, so you can listen to your favourite songs and avoid the ones that you don’t want! You don’t have to cycle through to get to the one you want. The Dice Sliverline iPod car kits are only available for BMW’s.

The Dice Video cradle is also expected to be available soon, allowing videos to be played on external screens

Get the most out of your iPod on the move. Dension and Dice both produce car kits that allow you to get the most from your iPod. Search through your Songs, play-list and albums to find the music, Pod-casts & Videos that you want to listen to when you want to listen to them. Get your Music on the move with the iPod Car Kit.

Choose the best Kit for you by selecting factory fitted radios, choosing your car, and then choose the kits that will work best for you. Simple

If your car doesn’t have a dedicated iPod car Kit, choose from the universal adapters.

All iPod Car Kits are available at www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk

The Dice BMW SilverLine is the next generation of iPod Car Kits is soon to be available in the UK and Europe. The new Dice kit is on course to replace the Previous BMW Dice Kit due to a break through in technology. The SilverLine has many of the same functions and features as the previous kit, in addition to this the greatest new function allows the user to Browse the iPod for songs, Play-lists and albums (Using the radio, Steering controls) BEFORE making a song selection…  This Means that you can still listen to your music while searching for the next track… The Silverline is also compatible with all the new iPods.  This is the future of Car entertainment !!!

In Addition to this, the release of the Dice Video Cradle is immanent allowing you to view all the videos on your iPod

New Firmware is soon to be available for VW, Audi & Mercedes Dension Gateway units that will allow CD Track information to be displayed on screen, The update believed to be available for the VW, Audi & Merc Gateway 100, Gateway 300 and Gateway 500 iPod Car Kits.

This is obviously great news for the owners of VW’s, Audi’s and Mercedes and will really allow you to get the most out of your iPod. However there is no accurate timescale that suggest when the upgrade will become available, so stay tuned for more information.

All the Kits are available from iPod Car Kit Direct

The Dension Bluetooth adapters are currently undergoing re-development, Dension are updating the firmware on the BTA1000 bluetooth adapter (compatible with the Gateway 100, 300 and 500) which should make the BTA more consistent during operation. The update will also improve the DSP (Digital Sound Processing) which will improve the quality of the microphone and incoming calls.

The BTA100’s are currently out of stock and due to the upgrade being imminent it is likely that the next batch will be the upgraded unit.

Other BTA News,

Dension are also releasing a version specifically for the Gateway 500, The BTA1500 will in principle work in the same way as the BTA1000, However Dension have managed to utilise the additional power & functions from the Gateway 500 to make the 1500  a far greater product. The BTA1500 will allow the user to have full phone browsing (phone book) and may also be able to play any existing Audio and Video files on the phone.

The BTA1500 is due to be in stock soon